Restoration efforts are ongoing as Xcel Energy prepares for another Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday, following outages caused by a recent wind event and previous PSPS. The company expects the upcoming shutoff to affect approximately 67,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties starting as early as 5 a.m. Weather conditions are predicted to improve around 6 p.m. Friday evening; however, high winds that pose wildfire risks may persist into the night. Some customers could experience power outages lasting more than three days due to extended restoration times.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are used by Xcel Energy to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety. The company relies on weather forecasts and data analysis to determine when these measures are necessary. High winds, low humidity, and dry ground conditions will be present during the next event. Wednesday’s weather saw wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour.
“We recognize the challenges our customers face when being without power for an extended period of time. We appreciate their patience as our crews work tirelessly to restore power. We appreciate their understanding of the public safety necessity of a PSPS. We are aware tomorrow’s PSPS event will impact some of the same customers involved in yesterday’s wind event. Turning off the power is not a decision we take lightly and our crews are working safely and diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” said Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy—Colorado.
Over 585 crew members began restoration work last night for about 120,000 customers who experienced sustained outages. As of 2 p.m., roughly 26,000 remained without electricity. Restoration may take several days because crews must inspect lines and repair damage before re-energizing them safely.
The company reminds residents there could be unplanned outages outside scheduled PSPS events due to high winds or Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings active across affected areas. Customers should avoid downed power lines and report any hazards or damages they observe directly to Xcel Energy.
To support those impacted by outages from severe winds, Xcel Energy is partnering with the American Red Cross to open resource centers offering phone charging services at various locations including Evergreen Library in Evergreen; Servicios de la Raza in Denver; Belmar Library in Lakewood; and Gilpin County School in Black Hawk (which will remain open until further notice). Xcel Energy staff will also provide information at these sites.
Customers can report outages through multiple channels: using the mobile app available on Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; via text message by sending OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
For updates on severe weather events or outage status, customers can check Xcel Energy’s website or follow its social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Xcel Energy encourages households to prepare emergency kits containing battery-powered radios, flashlights with spare batteries, backup chargers for phones, bottled water and non-perishable food items among other essentials needed during prolonged outages.
Those relying on electrically powered medical equipment should make preparations for potential extended disruptions in service. More information about assistance programs is available at https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program.
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in system upgrades aimed at reducing wildfire risk while limiting both frequency and duration of outages. In 2024 alone this included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles, inspecting nearly 19,000 poles and more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines, completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment and installing additional substation protection relays.
